This week we continue our reading in the fifth section of Psalms and the very first Psalm in our reading is the longest Psalm (#119 with 176 verses). The interesting thing about Psalm 119 is that it is composed in sets of eight verses and each verse starts with one of the 22 letters comprising the Hebrew alphabet.
Psalms 120–134 are often referred to as a group called the Songs of Ascents. They are thought to have been used as hymns of approach by pilgrims to the Temple in Jerusalem. One of the interesting things that we learned on our trip to Israel is that anyone traveling from any direction to Jerusalem is always considered to be "ascending" to Jerusalem, as it is Jewish holy city of God.
Psalm 137 is also an interesting one. It includes the line, "by the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept." This Psalm is clearly written years after David when the people of God were in living in captivity/slavery in Babylon. It has been used in at least one spiritual as well as a reggae song. The Orthodox churches often use this as a hymn during Lent.
Here is the schedule:
3, Sunday: Psalms119-122
4, Monday: Psalms123-126
5, Tuesday: Psalms127-130
6, Wednesday: Psalms 131-134
7, Thursday: Psalms 135-138
8, Friday: Psalms 139-142
9, Saturday: Psalms 143-146
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.
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